"Everything was about to change."

I love the girls in this series! Talk about strong women. 1775 West Indies and America. Verity decides to go out on her own and start her own business. She's family oriented, so of course it ties into the family business. At one point Verity says for herself and her sisters, "No one, either Tory or Loyalist, male or female, shall see my vulnerabilities, she decided. I will be strong." I can identify.

This takes place at the beginning of the Revolutionary War, and they are still fighting slavery on the Island. This is one of those books where you become deeply entranced and involved. And hold your breath a lot. Many dangerous and heartfelt situations. Good Christian message. I find this a particularly interesting time in history of the United States, probably because I had relatives who were in the thick of it. So well written, I believe in these characters, their abilities and where their hearts are. Excellent tale - can't wait for the continuation!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This is the second book in this series. I forgot how much I liked these sassy sisters.

In this book we get to know Verity more. She is a strong young woman, how doesn’t always follow the rules of how a young lady should behave in that time period.

Ian is a wonderful hero bent on revenge for his brother. The two are drawn together, yet forces and past wounds keep them apart.

This isn’t a fast moving book. although it is never boring, it’s just a longer book that takes a bit more time to get through. And I wanted to savor every image the author put on the page.


A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.

Book Summary (Goodreads): After leaving England behind for a new life in the West Indies with her sisters, Verity Banning wants something to call her own. Her affinity for animals inspires her to set up a business importing horses, as well as other goods in demand by the island residents. But when she arrives in the Colonies to purchase her goods, unexpected news of Captain Duncan McKintrick awaits her—as does the captain's handsome brother, Ian—whose sympathies lie with the fledgling Patriot cause.

As the great-granddaughter of a British general and friend to many Loyalists, Verity believed all she wanted was a peaceful resolution. But both the Patriots and the impassioned Ian McKintrick are steadily laying claim to her heart. When faced with the decision of what—and for whom—she will fight, can she set her feet on a new path despite the danger that awaits?

My thoughts...I would highly recommend reading the first book in this series, "Keturah," before reading "Verity." It explains the events leading up to the Banning sisters traveling to the West Indies as well as all the things that have happened before Verity's story.
I have really liked this series because of its unique setting and interesting plot lines. There are a lot of twists, but it keeps the plot intriguing and at a great pace. I have never read books that were set in the West Indies until this series, so I have enjoyed the mental imagery that Lisa Bergren has created through descriptive language. Not only is this book set in the Indies, but also the shores of a young America. This made an interesting contrast. Both settings played a part and were affected by America's fight for independence, which was also a learning point for me.
There was a lot going on in the plot of this novel. Verity is one who is dedicated to her sisters, but also wants to make her own way in life. As she branches out pursue her dreams of owning her own business, she also searches for Duncan McKintrick, her lost love. In the process she meets his brother, Ian, and they become business partners. Their partnership takes them from one shore to another and into situations that helped them grow in courage and faith. There were also moments of suspense when Verity faced a villainous man bent on revenge in the Indies, as well as British soldiers who suspected Ian and Verity of treason.
I would definitely recommend "Verity." Exciting plot, interesting characters, suspense, and romantic tension come together to make a very interesting read!

**I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley to give an honest review, which I did.**

Wow! wow wow wow

Lisa T. Bergren is truly an amazing storyteller! She writes the most amazing characters and the most vivid settings.

What an intriguing part of history that, though well know, has more layers than one might first know of.
I`ve loved traveling from England to the Caribbean in the first book. And now, to get a glimpse of revolutionary America and the islands, not to mention the ship scenes!

Verity Banning is surely one of the most interesting characters ever written! And, sure, because she`s a horse whisperer and falconer. But also because she is organically fierce, loyal, and a hard worker, though it might be struck as unusual for the time period. And these characters that capture Ian McKintrick completely by surprise, undeniably growing an attraction to the woman who once belonged to his brother.

I loved Verity and Ian's interaction. They truly for a kinship from common grief from the beginning, but a surprise to both of them is the depth of romance that, though tentative, can't be denied. However, Ian has been harboring revolutionary ideas of late, and for Verity to link herself to him might mean putting on wavering ground the once steadfast relationship with her sisters.

How can Verity continue, though, to just sit and watch the king who, yes, she once called hers but now gives orders that can't be denied, even if it takes all the comfort or little food one might have, even if it leads to death? Nevertheless, can vengeance be the way for closure? Or can a balm for a hurt soul be found somewhere else?

After leaving England behind for a new life in the West Indies with her sisters, Verity Banning wants something to call her own. Her affinity for animals inspires her to set up a business importing horses, as well as other goods in demand by the island residents. But when she arrives in the Colonies to purchase her goods, unexpected news of Captain Duncan McKintrick awaits her--as does the captain's handsome brother, Ian--whose sympathies lie with the fledgling Patriot cause.

As the great-granddaughter of a British general and friend to many Loyalists, Verity believed all she wanted was a peaceful resolution. But both the Patriots and the impassioned Ian McKintrick are steadily laying claim to her heart. When faced with the decision of what--and for whom--she will fight, can she set her feet on a new path despite the danger that awaits?

This is the second book in The Sugar Baron's Daughters. It is not necessary to read the first book in order to know what is going on. Although, it would probably be helpful in understanding the sisters' history on how they came to the island.

Verity sets sail to the colonies to purchase supplies for her new mercantile store. She is also wanting to find out what has happened to Captain Duncan McKintrick. The news is quite a shock to her. Captain Ian McKintrick, Duncan's brother, helps her secure her supplies as well as agrees to transport for her. Ian is focused on revenge against the pirate who killed Duncan and the English who took over Duncan's ship. As the book unfolds, Verity has some decisions to make. Does she stay loyal to the English or does she support the Rebels. Either way she is in for a hard time. There is also trouble back on the island. Supplies are getting low now that the English have set up blockades into the colonies ports so that no ships can enter or leave.

I recommend this book for those who like adventure. We were given a glimpse into what the next book will be about. Looking forward to reading it.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Verity is the first book I've read by Lisa T. Bergren, though I've heard plenty of her other books before. I enjoyed this one, even though I skipped the first book in the series without realizing it.

The story follows Verity Banning and her quest to open up a mercantile store in a society where women shopkeepers are shunned. With her family already being social pariahs in their town, Verity has almost nothing to lose and is ready to risk it. Little does she know that her explorations will lead her to meeting the brother of her former sweetheart, an untamable man of the sea who seems to have questionable loyalties to the British crown.

There is no doubt about it; I was on board with the ship from the start. Ian and Verity were absolutely adorable together. I couldn't help hurrying through the moments they were apart and savoring all the time they spent with each other-- kudos to the author for weaving such a compelling romance! Ian was an awesome Scottish sea captain with an awesome Scottish accent and awesome Scottish dirks and-- basically, Scottish awesomeness. He was hands down my favorite character in the story (no matter what, I somehow always find myself falling for the Scottish lads).

Verity was... fascinating. I loved her love for animals. I suppose she was a little too... harsh? Judgmental? for me to actually love her as a main character, but she was still pretty great. And her business dreams made her such an interesting character.

The plot is not easy on you. It kept twisting and turning from one problem to the next, and hey, isn't that how the best plots are formed? It constantly kept me guessing, continuing to distract me from what was actually the real threat by hooking me around other points.

I'm not a historical fiction critic, so I can't tell you how good the setting was, but I think it was great and suited the book wonderfully. The dialogue was definitely more realistic than I'm used to, though.

Overall, a good book. I liked it, but... somehow I just didn't love it. I guess some parts weren't good enough to grip me entirely. From me it will receive a 3.5 star.

Thanks to the publisher for giving me a complimentary copy of this book to review through NetGalley.

Another great book from Lisa Bergren!

I’m ashamed at how long it took me to finish this book 🤦🏼‍♀️ as I’m normally a pretty quick reader (with a lot of unexpected things coming up in my day-to-day life, my reading time was more limited than usual) but I really did enjoy this book! I’ve been excited to read Verity ever since I finished Keturah last year, and it didn’t disappoint.

A lot of events and plot twists were packed into this book. I was kept wondering what was going to happen, how different things would be resolved, and if they’d be resolved in this book or be wrapped up in the next one. While Lisa did indeed leave me on a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, the ending was satisfying and left me eager to read the conclusion of the Banning Sisters’ story.

I enjoyed getting to know Verity more and seeing that she can “hold her own” and be just as strong and admirable a character as Keturah was in the first book. And Ian was a worthy and, I feel, realistic hero.

I’m excited to see how all the different threads are tied up in the last book, and especially how Selah’s own story turns out! 😍❤️

“Verity” is the second book in the series “The Sugar Baron’s Daughters” by Lisa T. Bergen. All three of the Banning sisters are smart, capable, and brave women. Keturah’s story was first, and established the three sisters in running their father’s sugar plantation after his death. While I liked the first book in the series, I enjoyed this one so much more. Verity is quite the heroine and Captain Ian is perfect as her hero. This storyline takes place at the very beginning of the Revolutionary War, and the suspense of this story made for some very interesting reading. There’s still an intense on-going story with the sugar plantation, and this book ended with unresolved intriguing situations for all three sisters. I’m guessing that the next book will follow Selah’s story. I’m invested in this series now and am looking forward to seeing if the Banning sisters
find the happiness they each long for since the beginning of the series.

Lisa Bergen does a nice job incorporating her research into her stories. She’s added some realistic details about the hard life on the sugar plantations and how racism and disdain for women affected every area of that life. There’s a couple of distressing scenes in the book about both those topics,. They are handled appropriately, but I’d recommend this book for no younger than the “young adult” set of readers.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I was given this book by the author for a honest review. And in no way was I payed for my opinion which is my own.

I loved this book, set on a Caribbean torpical island surounded by a blue sea full of adventure. I could see why the sisters all fell in love with their island home. 🌴🌺🌊🐎🦋

Spoilers ahead 🧐

Miss verity Bannings sets out on a vorage to find Duncan leaving behind her two sisters keturah and selah behind with a wild idea of making a shop of her own.
But when she finds the captain McKintrick, It's not Duncan at all but his younger brother Ian McKintrick. He tells Verity the sad new of what had befallen Duncan and why he never wrote back to her, he had been sent away on a mission by the King and falling by a pirateer named Santiago.
With both hearts greving the lost of a brother and a intended, they set sail to take verity home with a number of horses she plans to sell. While Duncan plans to set sail to seek revenge on this santiago.

But there's a change in the wind, one of freedom, can the two turn away from all they know, they're mother land to help the new life there bilnding in new York.

And that's all I'm going to spill😀

Verity
By Lisa T. Bergren
Verity is the second installment to Lisa T. Bergren's’, Sugar Baron’s Daughters series. I read this as a stand-alone novel but it would be an easier and more enjoyable read if I had read the first book, Keturah.
After leaving behind England in 1773 three sisters, Keturah, Verity, and Selah find their way to the West Indies. Living with her newly married sister and younger sister Verity itches for something more. While attempting to make her own way Verity learns of the loss of her sweetheart and her life takes a turn. While visiting the Colonies Verity gets swept up in picking a side in what would begin the Revolutionary War. Unintended Verity begins to lose her heart as she fights for her future.
This book was typical in length of books I read but it felt longer. It was well developed and full of suspense and drama. I imagine the beginning of the revolutionary war being tense but being on an island dependent on import and export would be terrifying alone. This story brings in the controversy of slavery and women working.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. If you would like to read more visit my blog: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com

I will admit that it has been awhile since I read the first book in the series, Keturah, so while I vaguely remembered the story, it wasn't enough to bring me diving into the first chapter. 

In the first chapter we have the sisters talking to one another, and then once Verity has mentioned her plans, the husband of Keturah enters the pictures along with other characters from the first book. For me, I immediately felt lost and unconnected from the current story. I wanted to reread Keturah so that I could understand where Verity came from and where she is going. Especially in conjunction with Duncan McKintrick.

Despite these initial misgivings at the beginning of the story I was determined to plod on and finish the rest of the story. It read well and overall I enjoyed it. However, it is unlikely that I will be reconnecting to read about the third sister, Selah.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through NetGalley.

Verity is her own woman wanting to do her own thing in a time when women were suppose to be meek, mild mannered, stay at home, not run a business, etc. The book is from a time in the late 1700's when the American Colonies were starting to rebel against England in what would be the Revolutionary war.

Verity though lives in the West Indies on a sugar plantation with her sisters. But she owns her own business, a mercantile store and horse trading business. She also is in love with a sea captain. But he has disappeared.

She will leave for New York to look for Duncan to find out what has happened to him. What she will find is a land split down the middle with rebels and loyalists. Which will she choose?

Her decision is easier when she discovers that Duncan was pressed into service by the English and murdered at sea by a Spanish Privateer.

The story will take us through Verity's business, her crisis of faith, her brush with death and falling in love. Lisa Tawn Bergren gives us a great novel with lots of story lines that allow for Book Clubs to have hours of discussion.

This is the second book in what I think will be a 3 book series. I was left with wanting to read book one and then looking forward to book 3 being released.

Enjoy!

Bergren continues the SUGAR BARON'S DAUGHTERS series with this book focusing on the middle daughter, Verity. She was an intriguing character in the first book, independent and bold with a falcon on her wrist, sitting a horse beautifully, and casting her eyes upon the sea captain whose ship brought her and her sisters to the Caribbean island of Nevis. The story of Verity Banning continues as she decides to use her portion of the family money to set herself up in a bridlery business offering horses, carriages, saddles, and more. She suffers an unforseen and tragic loss, but also finds unexpected romantic love. One benefit of a series is the comfort for the reader -- to fall back into a familiar "world," where some of the characters and the rules are already known. The reader meets old friends in VERITY, but also finds a familiar enemy who has become stronger and more dangerous. In addition, this book set just prior to the American Revolution, deals with some of the issues that led to the break from England and finally, to war. The viewpoint of the Amercian Sons of LIberty is explored and Bergren includes many of the repercussions, some of which adversely affected Caribbean islands, including Nevis. The book concludes not exactly with a cliffhanger, but with the clear anticipation of the next book in the series.

Verity is the second book in The Sugar Baron’s Daughters series written by Lisa T. Bergren. While you could read book two without reading book one, I wouldn’t recommend it because there is so much backstory in the first one. Plus, the first one was so good, it is worth the read!
Summary: This book centers around Verity-the second eldest of the Banning sisters. Verity is ready for independence. She wants to set up her own shop in town-selling many of the things that are difficult to obtain on the island.
In order to stock her new store, she decides to take a trip to the American colonies to purchase goods, and to find out what has happened to her beau Captain Duncan McKintrick-whom she has now not heard from in months.
Upon arrival in the colonies however, unexpected news awaits, and Verity finds herself drawn towards the plight of the colonists.
Will she be able to begin and maintain a successful business, even though many are angry with the thought of a woman business owner?
And will she be drawn into the colonists’ struggles and decide to side with them over her loyalist family?
My Thoughts: I have been anxiously awaiting this second installment to the series, and it definitely didn’t disappoint! I really enjoy the author’s writing style, the incorporation of so much history and drama set during the American revolution, and how it was viewed from both the colonists’ perspective, the British perspective, and all those caught in between.
The writing was well-done, the storyline was very engaging, and I enjoyed the romance as well. A wonderful book, and I look forward to the next in the series!
If you enjoy historical fiction/romance, especially set during the American Revolution, I highly recommend this series-it is definitely a buy in my book, and that is the highest praise I can give!
As always, I would like to thank Bethany House for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I enjoyed reading this. An interesting story with fun characters. Well written.

Verity is the second installment in The Sugar Baron's Daughters series, and continues the story of the Banning sisters, with the focus on the titular daughter, Verity. As independent and stubborn as her older sister, Keturah, Verity longs to do her own thing and works to create her own business on the island. Working to establish trade with the Colonies, Verity will need to decide where her allegiances lay, both those of her country, and those of her heart.

I think I enjoyed this segment of the Banning sisters' story even more than Keturah. While I enjoyed the unique setting and introduction to the West Indies sugar cane plantations, I was glad that Verity's story brought the variety of the American Revolution. The story of trying to export goods between the islands and the colonies, and the impact the blockade had not just on the characters' lives, but how it shaped their convictions and roles in the rebellion was well written. I especially appreciated how well the author demonstrated the pull between what felt right and where their loyalty threatened to pull them. I'm sure that was not as easy as many books make it seem, and I felt the division here.

I give this book 4 stars. I'm interested to see where Selah's story takes this family, and I can only hope it's not too much to ask that Angus Shubert gets what's coming to him in the third book. I definitely recommend reading these books in order!

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

After leaving England behind for a new life in the West Indies with her sisters, Verity Banning wants something to call her own. Her affinity for animals inspires her to set up a business importing horses, as well as other goods in demand by the island residents. But when she arrives in the Colonies to purchase her goods, unexpected news of Captain Duncan McKintrick awaits her--as does the captain's handsome brother, Ian--whose sympathies lie with the fledgling Patriot cause.

As the great-granddaughter of a British general and friend to many Loyalists, Verity believed all she wanted was a peaceful resolution. But both the Patriots and the impassioned Ian McKintrick are steadily laying claim to her heart. When faced with the decision of what--and for whom--she will fight, can she set her feet on a new path despite the danger that awaits?

I greatly enjoyed this novel! Lisa T. Bergren is a new-to-me author, so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect with Verity. But I am so, so glad that I took a chance on something new because I absolutely LOVED this novel! The writing was superb, the story was excellent. The characters were unique, perfectly flawed and grew with the plot. The story itself moved quickly, built upon itself and had me hooked from the very first page. I devoured every page of this novel, and stayed up way past my bedtime, because walking away wasn't an option. A beautifully written story and a definite recommend!!

This is the second book in this series about three sisters. The first book was about Keturah, and the third will be about Selah.



In this book, we start out on with the plantation on the island of Nevis. Verity has decided to leave the plantation and start up her own shop in town. It's been a while since she's heard from her beau, Duncan, and she's wondering what happened to him. When she discovers that he's dead, she's set on a path that brings her face to face with Ian, Duncan's brother.



Ian doesn't meet Verity in a very flattering way. In jail for attacking English officers, Verity takes pity on him and gets him out of there for Duncan's sake. Ian is also a captain, like his brother, and Verity asks him to transport the items she's taking back to Nevis for her shop. They grow close, and fight against their feelings for a time out of respect for Duncan.



I really liked the first one, Keturah. This one was a bit all over the place for me. There was so much to remember. With all that going on, there were still long descriptions of things I didn't care that much about (the scene where Verity is trying on hats and hairstyles). I also wasn't a big fan of the whole "switching to loving the brother" thing. It happened a bit too quickly for me.



I had trouble getting into the story of this one. I'd put it down, and I wasn't really looking forward to picking it back up. There's also more than one cliffhanger at the end, and I'm not a big fan of that either. The writing itself was good, but I liked the first one so much more. At this point, I'm not sure I'll continue with the series.



*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I waited so long for this book and was captivated when I read this moving story. Verity is full of adventure with characters facing struggles and finding personal strength, as well as, strength within community. The storyline inspires readers to fight for what is right and pursue their dreams. The added romance is wonderfully discovered. Lisa Bergren once again delivers well researched historical fiction that only left me wanting more. Now, I anxiously await the next book in the series. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are mine.